A rare solar eclipse will be visible across Scotland this evening, with the moon obscuring more than 90% of the sun in some areas – the most significant eclipse above UK skies since 1999. Experts warn against looking directly at the sun, even during partial coverage, due to the risk of retinal damage.
Eclipse Visibility Across Scotland
The UK’s fullest solar eclipse for the next 54 years is set to occur, offering a stunning celestial display, particularly in the west of Scotland, according to STV News. The event begins at 6pm, where a small dark section will begin to appear on the bottom-right of the sun, as the moon begins to move in front of it. The eclipse will peak at around 7pm, when only a small arc of the sun will still be visible on the top. The moon will then continue to drift across the left of the sun, before clearing it shortly after 8pm.
Visibility will vary across the country. Residents in Inverness are expected to see 90.74% of the sun obscured at 7:03pm, while Edinburgh will experience 90.71% coverage at 7:06pm, the outlet reported. Those in Aberdeenshire, Orkney, and the Shetland Islands will see between 88% and 90% coverage. The Western Isles and the west coast are predicted to have the highest coverage, between 92% and 94%, although visibility may be difficult due to cloud cover. The Met Office has identified the west of Scotland as the best location to view the eclipse, with the best coverage expected just after 7pm.
Safe Viewing Practices
Experts strongly advise against looking directly at the sun during the eclipse. Heymans explained that even if someone doesn’t feel pain while looking at the sun, it can still seriously damage the retina. Heymans also warned that the eclipse lasts for two hours as the moon slowly covers and then moves away from the sun, so it isn’t just a quick glimpse, and continuing to look at it is very dangerous. Heymans’ warning also notes a temptation to look at the Sun through the cloud, but even that could harm the eyes.
Safe viewing options include eclipse glasses that meet safety certification ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015, according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Following the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported about 70 cases of people experiencing vision problems after watching the eclipse. The college said about 40% of those people had looked at it for less than a minute.
Future Eclipse Events
For those who miss this event, the next opportunity to witness a similar eclipse will not occur until 2081. A total solar eclipse will not be visible in the UK until 2090, STV News reported.
Alternative Viewing Methods
The Met Office suggests that clearer viewing conditions are expected on the east coast of Scotland. The outlet also notes that Majorca and southern Spain will experience a complete eclipse, with the moon completely obscuring the sun. The area will be plunged into complete darkness.
For those without eclipse glasses, the BBC reports that the eclipse can be safely viewed indirectly. Using a collander to project the sun’s image onto a surface, or creating a pinhole projector using a cereal box, and other items found around the house, are safe alternatives. The Royal Greenwich Observatory has also suggested the household item method.
Past Eclipse Impact
The 1999 total solar eclipse serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with direct viewing. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recorded approximately 70 cases of vision problems following the event, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, as detailed by the BBC.
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